Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring pasta, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini or penne) Pasta shape should have nooks for better sauce adherence.
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved Baby mozzarella is preferred.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces Basil can be substituted with dried oregano if unavailable.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Use high-quality olive oil for better flavor.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze This is critical for flavor; don't skip!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Adjust seasoning as needed.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it quickly.
Mixing the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serving
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or large platter.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the salad, adding more if desired for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For the best texture, do not over-toss the salad. You may add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Adding lemon zest can enhance the flavor.